Fairytale Forest as a Method for Children’s Sociocultural Learning

Marjanen Päivi, Saarinen Laura, Sumentola Henni 
(Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland)

Abstract: This paper will present the tool created in Finland by Laurea University of Applied Sciences students. The aim of this tool, Fairytale Forest, is to support an emotionally safe environment in the early-childhood years and pre-school age. The process of creation for the Fairytale Forest is based on the sociocultural theory of Vygotsky.

    In this paper, we will evaluate how this tool improves children’s learning in a sociocultural context. The observation method is based on Verba’s (1994) classification of learning. The analysis has built on the following three categories: observation/elaboration, co-construction and guided activity. The evaluation has been done by video observing four to six year old children in a day care centre in six different places in southern Finland autumn 2013. There were six different control points in this tool and a video recording were made from each control point.

    Sociocultural learning was seen clearly in part of the video data. It happened in both verbal and non-verbal forms. Children tried to formulate a shared meaning by thinking out loud, looks and motions. Children regarded other children as more interested than a guiding adult. When the adult’s role was authoritative and the rules were strict, it complicated interaction and sociocultural learning in children.

   This article is part of the FIT-project (Functional Innovative Tools for Learning). The idea is to create a network in the Nordic and Baltic countries and among then the purpose is to create functional, innovative, pedagogical materials — methods and tools — for learning. The partners come from Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Latvia and Lithuania. FIT is funded by Nordplus Horizontal programme.

Key words: early-childhood education, socio-cultural learning, peer group